2010 Review

In the spirit of New Years' I want to take moment to reflect on the 2010. It was full of trials, but it also contained a lot of wonderful things.

January: J lost his job January 1, 2010. It was very scary since we weren't at all financially secure...

February: J began working at Fotowerks for a few hours each week. I got a second job (and a place to live after our lease ends in April).

March: J (finally) started working at Best Buy. They sure did take their time putting him to work.

April: We moved! I had to quit my first job to maintain some kind of balance in my life.

May: Some of my BFFs graduated.

June: J and I celebrated our first anniversary! Our niece was born.

July: I got the opportunity to be a part of South City Theater's "All I Really Need to Know I learned in Kindergarten" which was a wonderful experience.

August: Beach vacation with J's family! J & I begin the Carb Lovers Diet 8/30.

September: We paid off one credit card! It's hard to believe that less than one year after J lost his job we were paying off debt! It just goes to show how much God provides.

October: J had his birthday week. I spent the weekend in Chickamauga/Chattanooga with my class.

November: We celebrated Thanksgiving with our families. I got my acceptance letter to graduate school.

December: I finished the semester with a 4.0. J and I are enjoying spending time with our families while we can.

It's Alive

It=me in this case.
I didn't mean to disappear for the last 2 weeks, but between finishing the semester/working/studying for finals/Christmas shopping and partying... well you get the picture.

But the semester is over. I am (not so) patiently waiting for my last grade to be posted. The 30 for 30 was completed a few weeks ago. I promise I followed the rules (mostly) but I really dropped the ball on snapping pictures everyday. The challenge was definitely a fun and very rewarding experience!

Speaking of fun and rewarding... the best part about the holidays (to me) is getting to spend time with family, amiright? My dad's family is en route to Alabama today! I can't wait to see them... In fact I spent most of the day counting down the hours til they get here. (actually I spent most of the day catching up reading all of the 200+ blog posts I missed when I dropped off the face of the earth.)
Last weekend I took a break from studying and J and I visited his sister and her hubs (who is kicking my butt in words with friends) and their son. We had such a great time!


Our brother in law is a pilot. He took us on a plane ride. In a Cessna (I think).



It was my first time in a little plane. And I've only flown once before. And I'm kind of terrified of heights. Poor brother-in-law... He only took me up for like 10 minutes. But at least I can say I did this once in a lifetime sort of thing!


So, then brother-in-law took J up for about an hour. The wives got to wait at the airport. My sister-in-law is gorgeous, yes?


And when we went back to their house, J played with our nephew. Aren't they cute?


And this has nothing to do with last weekend. But J is so cute with our nephews and niece. It's pictures like this that make the baby fever spike... He's gonna be an awesome dad one day.

J took all the pictures. He's pretty talented.

Surprises (or Day 22)

Tuesday was History Day at my college.




And it was pretty much awesome.



The students in my Senior Seminar in History Class got an opportunity to diplay posters in the library regarding the topic of their Senior Seminar Paper (wow... that seems like a really long awkward sentence). During the History Day event, the library's lobby was full of professors and students walking from display to display talking to (or grilling) each of us about our research topic...

My 22nd (!!!) outfit and my display on Nazi Propaganda Films.

I never thought I'd make it this far in the 30 for 30 challenge. Ususally when something gets difficult or boring I give up on it and move on to the next interesting thing...

I also never thought I'd see the day when I presented my paper... and I'm certainly surprised that the paper is on WWII. I always thought it would be on something regarding Civil Rights or Vietnam or LBJ.

But I have surprised myself. And the best part of the whole thing is my grade - A!

(p.s. my boobs look huge in this sweater. I'm gonna wear it more often.)

Yoo-Hoooooo (or Days 13-20)

Hello there. I'm back. After an impromptu week-long break from blogging (and reading blogs... I've spent all afternoon catching up), I'm here to say that I'm still alive.

Would you believe me if I told you I spent the past week dressing in the 30 for 30 clothes?Well, you kinda have to since most of the outfits never got photographed...

Thanksgiving was awesome! J and I ate and spent time with our families. My favorite things!

Here are the outfits that made it onto the camera (and by camera, I mean phone...)
Outfit # 13. 11/21.

Outfit # 18. 11/26.

Outfit #20. 11/28. Cowboy Boots!

We had a freak warm spell over Thanksgiving break... none of the outfits were particularly inspired. But whatevs.

I have nothing to say today, so it's back to watching mindless television for the rest of the evening... That's how I celebrate breaks from school...

Productivity (Days 11 & 12)

skinny jeans, blue sweater, gold flats. worn to work and the bookstore.

ps. there's a necklace. finally wearing accessories!

skinny jeans, purple cami, black low-cut blouse (waaayyy too low cut, thus the cami), black flats. worn to work and grocery shopping.

This has been a crazy hectic week for me. I turned in my Senior Seminar paper, had a big geology test, turned in a project, and had a presentation. Now that the week is over I feel like the semester is over too. I can finally rest and relax and watch movies and read for fun and go shopping etc etc. But then I remember that the classes that have been on the backburner for um... the entire semester! So, because of the awesome Thanksgiving break planned (full of all the stuff I mentioned earlier), I am racing to get all 8 (!!!) assignments/projects/papers finished. 4 down. 4 to go. Going to be productive now!

Cheater Cheater Pumpkin Eater (or Day 9 & 10)

2 outifts in one day counts, right? It does in my book. So without further ado... Outfits 9 and 10:Skinnies, Turtleneck, Pola Dot Cardi, Black Flats

Worn for running errands on a semi-off day (thanks Brett for working for me today!).

turtleneck, jean skirt, purple tights, black boots
worn for our Christmas card pictures
Did you see that? A Haircut! It feels so good to actually have "style" for the first time in a long time.

In other news, Josh and I got our Christmas card pictures taken today (one of the perks of being married to a photographer). The cards are going to be pretty cute if I say so myself. Here are a few that didn't quite make the cut, but are too good to keep hidden away forever. A million thanks go out to Terry Bruno at Fotowerks. You are such a wonderful friend. We truly appreciate you putting aside time to do this for us!

(isn't he a hottie?)

Weigh-in Wednesday (and Day 9)

Today is weigh in Wenesday:

247 lbs.
Finally! I've broken past the -20 lb mark.
My body seems to lose weight inconsistently. I'll lose 3 lbs in a week and then spend the next 2-3 weeks losing nothing. Weird. But, as long as something comes off eventually I'm happy.



The Carblovers Facebook Page had a reminder for this Weigh-in Wednesday. Remember to take measurements. They are also a sign of progress.
I always forget about measurements. But, seeing those numbers should reinforce good habits. So, I'll take measurements everytime I lose 25 lbs. Don't want to get bored with measurements that barely change every week, but also want to keep it consistent.

Today is also Day 9:

black headband, green shirt, khaki skirt, black tights, cowboy boots

This is me keeping my promise and wearing my cowboy boots. I feel a little less self-conscious about them today (maybe because they blend with the tights). Last summer, this skirt was too small. It's a little snug now, but I can button it up. Hooray! While getting dressed this morning I thought this looked good, but now I'm thinking this outfit is a little boring and could use some accessories.

What accessories would you pair with this?

Stagnant (or Day 8)

Skinny jeans, gray cami, argyle cardigan, black flats
Originally, the cardigan was buttoned up. I felt very 50's schoolgirl. But you know... with jeans and tattoos. It was pretty cool.
Also, apparently I need to check my makeup before I take these pictures... I look a little dead in this picture.

On a not clothes related note, lately I just feel like I'm going through the motions. Like we're working our butts off to get out of debt, lose weight, and graduate (well, I'm trying to graduate). And it's just not happening...
(although, I did turn in my senior seminar paper today! Woo Hoo!)

I just need a change of pace. Something to get me out of my funk. Good thing Thanksgiving is coming up. I'll get some time to recharge.

Do you ever feel like that? Like you're just treading water and not making any headway on the things you'd most like to accomplish? How do you deal with it?

Weekender (Days 6 & 7)

Saturday:Jean skirt, black sweater, cowboy boots.

Worn to the grocery store. Not my favorite outfit. The best part about the outfit is the cowboy boots, and I just felt really self-conscious in them. I'm trying to make an effort to wear things I don't wear all the time. This is probably the second time these cowboy boots have been worn in over a year... And they're really cute! My problem with the boots lies in my insecurities, not in the boots themselves. To combat that, I am pledging to wear these boots at least 2 more times in this challenge. Overall, I feel this outfit is uninspired, though. Good thing it was only for a trip to Wal-Mart. (p.s. my photographer went to work before I got home from the grocery store, so we have another mirror shot...)

Sunday:Purple Dress, Blazer, Black Flats.

Worn to church for our niece's baby dedication. I like this. A lot. Despite the fact that the skirt was a liiiiitttle short (ok it was a lot short) for me and the blazer hit at a weird spot on this dress. Also, the belt is pretty awesome. Mostly because this dress is getting too big for me. I would've never put this outfit together if not for this challenge.

See that coffee cup? It's my dad's. It's from the Birmingham News. They get it. Do you? The internet is cool and all, but there's just something about opening up a newspaper. Plus, the Birmingham News employs lots of people (like my awesome dad) that the internet does not. As soon as we get a real address we'll get a subscription to the Birmingham News. I'm so looking forward to it. Sure, the internet is free, but somethings are worth paying for.

Have you found a new outfit you love that you wouldn't have tried before the 30 for 30 challenge?
Do you prefer a newspaper to the internet? Why or why not?

Friday Confessions (or Day 5)

Confession: I am a planner. A list-maker. A worrier. It's just what I do. So, it shouldn't surprise you that I already have a list of 30 different outfits comprised of these 30 pieces.

Confession 2: I suck at sticking to my plans. This outfit was not on my list for today. Originally, there was going to be a sweater dress, tights, and boots... you know things that people would normally wear in November. But, since we're having crazy warm weather (hello highs in the upper 70's) right now, I opted for some layers that can accomodate the changing weather through the day. Also, the skinny jeans are back for round 4. I just couldn't make myself shave my legs this morning.

Confession 3: This might be my favorite outfit ever. I love the jewel tones. And not having to worry about accessorizing.

Courtesy of the Red, White and Blue (or Day 4)

Apparently, today is a day for country song quotes. What can I say? Some of them are so patriotic... And patriotism is what it's all about today folks.




I don't know if you know this, but I'm an American history major (read: nerd). So, for people like me Veterans Day is a double whammy of awesome.


You see, Veterans Day was chosen on this particular day because it marks the end of WWI . It was originally called Armistice Day. But, armistice means "peace" and WWI was supposed to be the war to end all wars... but then WWII happened (obviously WWI didn't end all wars). So, in 1954, Congress chose to change this holiday to Veterans Day to honor the country's veterans.


Veterans Day was always pretty cool... I mean who doesn't love an extra day off work/school? And everyone loves sales! But I never had a real appreciation for it until recently. In high school, I studied female volunteers in the Vietnam War and began to understand that Veterans Day is about more than a vacation from school or going shopping. Then, I met the hubs. He is a veteran. His father is a veteran. They have shown me that veterans aren't a faceless mass (I don't think I knew any veterans until them) but real people. They are real people who have sacrificed so much for me to have the freedoms that I usually take for granted.
I will never be able to express my grattitude in the right way. Veterans should be thanked and honored more than this one day in November, but today is a great reminder to say thanks for all they have done.





So, thanks to any and all veterans (though I doubt vets read this blog) and also to any wives and families of veterans. And a big heartfelt thank you to active military. You are not unnoticed.





So, here is my subtle (or not-so-subtle) nod to all the veterans and active military:

skinny jeans, red t-shirt, white grandpa sweater, black boots.

I felt a little ridiculous as the day went on... it's hot here in Alabama! The boots are a little unnecessary this afternoon.

Food Hangover (and Day 3)

Last night I went to a friend's house to bake banana bread and cookies and brownies (oh my!) for a bake sale at school today.

I taste tested way too much. So, my weigh-in Wednesday results were not as good as I wanted.

11/10: 250lbs. I lost nothing. Trying to remind myself that there is a small victory in here that I didn't gain any weight this week.

Uggh. I have a food hangover. I feel bloated and sluggish... And kinda disappointed in myself.

And now onto clothes:

Skinny jeans, purple cami, polka dot cardigan, bronze flats.

I love this combination of items. Usually, though, I wear a darker cami under this particular cardigan. So, here's to taking chances on clothing choices...

It's only day 3, and I'm already starting to feel nervous about this 30 for 30 challenge. Gonna have to start getting creative!

Have you noticed that you're already stepping out of your comfort zone this early on in the 30 for 30 challenge?

A Jigsaw Puzzle (or Day 2)

Left to my own devices, you get a disassembled version of me. Maybe it's for the best since this outfit was probably a little on the boring side (although, I loved it).

I wore my skinny jeans, black turtleneck and black flats. I love this combination. I loved this outfit. It's so simple and elegant, to me. It's such a blank (and classy!) slate for anything to be put on top of it. Since I am new to the world of accessorizing, I have very few necklaces, but I chose this one to add a little more visual interest. Also, I love makeup. Love it. And there's nothing like a bold red lip to get you through a rough Tuesday (every Tuesday is rough for me, for what it's worth).

How do you deal with simple/boring outfits? Do you layer on the accessories? or do you let the simplicity shine?

Day 1

Day 1 outfit. Green shirt and jean skirt. Alabama is still warm enough to go without tights. It's so nice outside.

Not gonna lie, all of my 30 for 30 clothes are sitting in my laundry basket on the floor. I'm a beginner.

Be prepared to see this shirt/ similar outfits a lot over the next 30 days. These are some of my favorite items. Also, I have to get dressed in the dark in the early morning while Josh is still sleeping, so I went for what was laying right on top of the pile.

Please excuse the cell phone photo. My photographer and I weren't seeing eye to eye. (tranlsation: I'm super hormonal... and left. In hindsight, it probably wasn't the best way to start off the 30 for 30 challenge)

Also, I've decided to move the weigh-in to Wednesdays. This looks like the best time to do that blog-wise.

30 for 30

So, I've decided to do Kendi's 30 for 30 challenge... Thought long and hard about it because this means wearing a combination of the same 30 items of clothing until finals(!), but ultimately these reasons solidified my decision:
1. This is not only a weight loss blog... it just kind of evolved into one. Time to focus on other things.
2. Maybe I'll update my blog more than once a week.
3. This challenge will (hopefully) force me to be creative, especially at this awkward stage where so many of my clothes are too big or too small...
4. It just looks like a lot of fun!

So, without further ado, here are the 30 items that made the cut for the challenge.3 Dresses: (L to R) Ross, Target, "Borrowed"

3 Shirts For Layering: (Top to Bottom) Target, Old Navy, Old Navy

5 (+1) Shirts: (Top to Bottom) Ross, Gift, Old Navy, Target, Gift, (plus a black turtleneck that's currently in the washer)

1 Blazer/5 Cardigans: (Left to Right) Ross, Old Navy, Old Navy, Old Navy, Ross, Target

3 Sweaters: (Left to Right) Gift, Old Navy, Old Navy

4 Bottoms: (Left to Right) Skinny Jeans- Ross, Khaki Skirt - Thrifted, Denim Skirt - Target, Black Skirt - Ross

5 Shoes: (Left to Right): Payless, Target, Avenue, Gift, Target

Notice a trend? Hey... I'm a broke college student. If it's over $20, I very seldom buy it.

Bonus picture, just cuz I like it.

[Thanks Josh, for taking and editing these pictures. You're pretty awesome.]

October Recap

Whoa. Can this actually be a second post in one week? I know... a little crazy, but maybe I am turning over a new leaf. Probably not.

Back at the end of September/beginning of October, I posted a recap of month 1. It thought it would be a good idea to do the same for month 2, if for no other reason but to document it for myself... so here goes:

First, the facts:

8/30 weight: 270lbs

9/27 weight: 257 lbs

11/1 weight: 250 lbs

So, I've lost 7 lbs in October and a total of 20lbs since the beginning. Wow. That feels kinda awesome.

October, was a bit more difficult for me. I am starting to get impatient and sometimes a little frustrated. For about 2 weeks in October month I didn't lose any weight (254 was a difficult number to conquer). I know the reason I didn't lose any weight is because I just wasn't as diligent about tracking my food on myplate. But it got better, and I lost those 4 pesky pounds. Not losing 2lbs each week, though, was pretty frustrating. And... I'm so incredibly impatient. Always have been. I just want to be at my goal weight now. I just want to feel great and look good now. Sometimes you just have to remind yourself: it took awhile to get this way, it's going to take awhile to undo the damage.

I didn't just wake up one morning 100 lbs heavier, it's going to take months or years (months would be nicer) to lose this weight. Plus, I want to do this in a healthy manner and not cause any more damage to my body. My body is my temple and it should be treated as such.

But, I will say it is encouraging to have to tighten my belt (I'm at the 3rd notch in now instead of stretching it as far as it will go!) and to see how baggy my jeans are or how sweaters fit differently each week.

Also, I have a few new favorite recipes! Bacon, pear and gorgonzola pizza is delish! And the fish tacos are so yummy... mmmm my mouth is watering just thinking about all the delicious food I've been introduced to.

So, here's a few pictures to wrap up this post:

October 1.

November 3. 250 lbs. Messy room, because I never have anything to wear...

I have nothing witty to say...

okokok. I know. I suck at blogging.

So, the most important part of this update:
11/1 weight: 250.
I'VE LOST 20 POUNDS!!!!!

And I have so many new things to mark off my 101 list.

Went to Chickamauga last weekend for my class. I loved it and didn't want to come home to the real world. And I really want to go back now. I love the party bus! Thanks guys (if you're reading this) for making a good trip even better!

Also, had my last session with my undergraduate advisor. It's so sad because she is pretty amazing. Gonna miss her. But, she suggested I look into doing an undergraduate research project next semester... Not sure how I feel about that. The deadline to apply is in 10 days, so I gotta decide soon.

p.s. I am kind of obsessed with this song and video.
pps. I can do the Patty Cake Polka now. Be jealous.

catch up

This is a bad trend. You know, where I don't blog for a long time... that's the bad trend.

but in my defense. I've been kinda busy...

So, after two weeks of not losing any weight (but not gaining any either) I finally kicked my butt into gear and have gotten back on track with the tracking what I eat on myplate at livestrong.com. I'm feeling pretty confident about Monday.

Other major goings on lately:
-Went to ASFA to see the Theatre Dept's show. It was fan-freaking-tastic.
-Applied to grad school (have i mentioned that already?) and am not so patiently awaiting news.
-J and I are on a house building tangent. We spend a lot of time thinking/planning/discussing our future house. I think this is happening because we are getting antsy in our current situation, and it seems like everything will start happening when I finally graduate college/grad school.
-I am thisclose to finishing my Senior Seminar paper. Can't wait til it's finished.
-Next weekend I'm going to Chickamauga. SO EXCITED!

And some weird things I've noticed while I've been losing weight:
-I love Amy's frozen foods. Some of the meals make me nauseous though. not very fun. Is it the meals? Am I getting sick? What's up with this?
-Although I'm losing weight, my boobs are the same size. Score! There was some nervousness (from me and J) about the boobs shrinking. So far, it hasn't happened... Don't know how long this lucky streak will last. Hopefully forever.
-My calves are still big too. And it's kinda upsetting because um hello it's boot season. And mine aren't fitting into any boots these days (not even the "wide-calf" boots I bought)
-Also, my clothes are fitting weird. It's cool though. Cuz I'm pretty excited about buying more when I outshrink these.

Losing Weight and Making Big Decisions

Ok. First is Monday's weigh-in result, because I cannot seem to post these on Mondays.
10/4: 254lbs.
-3lbs last week... not gonna lie, I was a little surprised. I didn't think I did well enough to warrant a 3lb drop, but I'll take it.


I also realized that I haven't discussed the new goal for my weight: 165lbs. Went to the doctor over the summer and saw my chart. I weighed 163lbs in the beginning of 2006, back when I felt healthiest. That's the only reasoning I have. Of course, this isn't set in stone. If 170 or even 175 feels right, I'll stay there. No pressure.

Also, I don't want to make any announcements until this is certain, but there have been some major decisions made this week that will have major effects on my life (and, you know, Josh's life will be affected too). Let's just say I will be incredibly busy trying to get accepted to UM's Alternative Fifth Year program over the course of the next 5 weeks. I'm a big, tightly wound ball of stress and nerves and anxiety. And I'm nervous how this will impact my weight loss journey.





On a lighter note, I made a 107 on my first Historical Geology Exam. Yay! The group study sessions made a huge impact. Special Shout Out to my study buddies Jamie and Steve!

Month 1 of Carblovers

So, I started the Carblovers Diet on 8/30/2010 weighing 270lbs. On 9/27 (the last weigh-in of September) I was down to 257 lbs. Woo Hoo for a 13lb weight loss! No problems tooting my own horn about that.

I've just got to say that I never thought it would be so easy to lose this weight. As I've said previously, the first week kicked my butt and I was ready to quit by the end of day 1. Honestly, sticking it out for the rest of the week was probably one of the best decisions I've ever made in my life. The rest of this "diet" (I type quotes because it doesn't even seem like a diet now) was a breeze. There were a few times (ahem mybirthday ahem) that I messed up, but I feel like the most important part of this whole process was that I never gave up on it. September was a learning month for me and Carblovers. I learned new recipes, new ways to handle my stress (goodbye buttercrunch milkshakes), that I need to find healthier ways to celebrate, etc etc.

I have a feeling October will have just as many lessons for me to learn as well, and I can't wait.

So, to end this post I have before and after pictures for month one. As much as I love reading about people's weight loss through their blogs pictures just drive the point home.

This was taken on our beach trip with Josh's family the week before we started Carblovers. August 25, 2010, maybe?

And this is me today (10/01/10). I made a point to wear the same shirt to be as consistent as possible. While I'm in a much more flattering position, I can see some difference in the two pictures. It's pretty exciting to see some results!

I have a long way to go to get to 165 (what? I didn't mention this new goal weight? I'll have to save it for another day), but I also feel like I've come pretty far too.

A day late. A dollar Short.

The title has very little to do with this post...

I am so bad about posting my weigh-in results on Mondays... Anyhow, I am here to write about it now... Better late than never, right?
Monday 9/27 : 257lbs. That's another 2 lbs gone!
And now that I am down 13 lbs since the beginning, I am finally starting to see some physical changes in myself. My jeans aren't as tight as they used to be, my face seems to be thinning a bit, shirts that once fit just right are roomier.

While these are good things, there are some small issues I am having with my changing body.

I.Cannot.Go.Shopping.
or at least, I can't really go shopping and justify spending any money on clothes that won't fit in a few months.... I can justify spending money on shoes though ;) and so all of my birthday money has been spent on things like shoes and coats... items that will last through my weight loss.

I am kind of planning for the future (I'm not sure if this is something taboo in weight loss, as this is the first time I've actually lost weight.) If I continue losing about 2lbs/week, at Christmas/New Years I will be back to the same size I was when I got married. So, for now that's a big thing to look forward to. For a longer term goal, losing 2lbs/week will put me very very close to my goal weight around my graduation. Of course, I am not putting extra pressure on myself to reach my goal by a certain date (there's enough pressure already with this semester's course load). It's just something nice to think about.

Along with all this good news, I feel the need to confess some of my bad habits too. I am not exercising. I really need to, but I just can't make myself do it. And I hate that. There always seems to be something in the way... Tests, papers, weekly quizzes (side note- who the heck gives weekly quizzes that are as difficult as actual tests?), weather, cramped quarters, laziness. Really it all boils down to laziness. I will try to make an effort to exercise. (But, on the bright side, I am more active in general... I think it has something to do with playing tag for 30 mins twice a week... and I get a grade for it!)

What do you do for exercise? How do you fit it into your schedule?

Weigh in (a few days late)

So I'm a few days late on this post. Things have been kind of hectic here. I'm working on papers and projects and thinking about my future (grad school or no grad school?) and really it's times like these that I just want to eat everything in sight! By restricting what/when/how I eat I am learning more and more what my relationship with food once was. I'm seeing how that relationship is changing and realizing how bad it was before.

I want to preface my report of Monday's weigh in with this:
It was the week of my birthday. I know that's not an excuse, I'm just giving a heads up that I didn't follow this diet the way I knew I should... but I also didn't let it bother me too much since it was, afterall, my birthday. (I also celebrated for 3 days...)
As I mentioned before, I was pretty stressed out (I think due to the combination of the birthday and my impending graduation) so I did have a lot of temptation to eat in a really really unhealthy manner. And I did give in to it... But only in moderation. Once upon a time I would have "stress-eaten" three times as much as I did. So, I know I messed up a few times last week, but I feel that the most important part of this rambling is to say that I'm not giving up. I'm back in the saddle (is that the right metaphor?)...
So, my weight on Monday 9/20: 259 lbs.
I didn't lose any weight, but I didn't gain any either... And honestly, I'm already down 11 lbs, so I'm happy with that (for now).

(p.s. While I can't really see any major differences in my body, a few coworkers have said I look like I'm losing weight. Yay!)

Mini Freak Out

So, I woke up at 6am today feeling incredibly anxious.

It feels like there's a million things on my to-do list and no matter how much I read or type, or study, or plan nothing ever gets crossed off my list.

My theory is that this anxiety has a lot to do with where I am in life. Vague enough for you?
It seems like I am at a point where things are seriously starting to matter. I feel like the decisions I make now are the ones that are going to truly affect my future (at least more so than the decisions I made when I was 16). I feel like I'm really growing up. Graduation is less than a year away. There's so much uncertainty that comes with it (I'm a worrier, it's just what I do). I know I should be thinking about writing papers and studying for tests, but most of my time is spent (at least lately) wondering what I should do next. What do I want to do when I grow up? The job market is so scary, but the thought of even more time spent in school (and even more student loans) is also pretty scary.

Tomorrow is my birthday and for the first time, I'm not super excited about it. I'll be 23 and while I know that it's still very young, I never really imagined myself being 23. 23 is such a grown up number. (I feel like an adult finally, instead of a 17 year old trying to pass as 23 to get into a bar.) I'm an adult. It's strange. I'm in control of my own life. I guess that's where I'm feeling the pressure. 23 seems like some huge crossroads. Like it's now or never. I won't get another chance to do things right or differently. Like I have to work on everything right this instant: I need to learn to live a healthy lifestyle, have a Biblically sound marriage (is "Biblically" even a word?), be out of debt, know what I want to do with my life, know the exact steps to take to get all of these things, have a 4.0 this semester, grow in my faith, network to find a job/get into grad school, keep in touch with old friends, keep in touch with current friends, be a good wife/daughter/sister/niece/aunt/friend/student/role-model.... It seems like everything is piling up. And it all has to be done NOW!

And that's a lot of pressure.

Do you ever feel this way? How do you handle your anxiety?

Little Faith

Last week was the first week of the "immersion plan" and to be honest, I didn't think I was going to lose any weight. We ate so much food! Or maybe it seemed like a lot of food after the first week at 1200 cals/day.

I messed up a few times last week, but for the most part I stayed under the 1600 cals/day limit.

Annnd

This morning I weighed in at 259. I lost 4 more lbs! I'm now under 260!

I had such little faith, man I was so wrong to doubt this thing.

So, I can now mark off another goal on my 101 in 1001 list.
Speaking of my list, I'm definitely gonna try to step up the blogging thing soon (like today).

Week 1: Weigh In & Overview

So, let's talk about the first week of the Carb Lovers Diet.

I'll keep it kind of short since the last post is mostly about the first week...
To begin, I wasn't a big fan. But it's not Carb Lovers' fault. I would've hated anything that made me exercise any kind of self control. The food was ok. It was hard to give up sodas and sugar and sandwiches and dessert. But I think the hardest part was the portion sizes. I just was not used to eating so little. But, I got used to small portions, and I only sort of miss sodas now. And, I can have dessert now! Actually, now that it's time to start the 21 Day Immersion Plan I don't think I'll be able to eat all the food I'm supposed to eat each day.

But, sticking with it has definitely paid off!

On August 30 (day 1) I weighed 270.

September 6th: 263 lbs.

I LOST 7 FRICKIN' POUNDS!!!

ch ch changes

Lots of changes going on lately.

1. Went to the beach. Didn't come back a lobster. Big change for me.
2. School has resumed. My senior year. I'm not as sentimental as I was during the first week of senior year in high school... The first week is over, and the jury is still out. I can't tell how this semester will be. I am going back and forth between excitement and dread. Some of my classes will be amazing (ahemChickamaugaStaffRide) but others, I think, are going to be boring and possibly even difficult (not a very good combination). I guess I need more time to feel out this semester.
3.My 101 List: I've done a few more kind of important things, like:
4. PAID OFF OUR GM CARD!!!!!!!!! I'm pretty excited. Clearly.

and... the big news is:
Josh and I started the Carb Lovers Diet. My cousin Jennifer (of thejenwestquest) has been blogging about her weight loss experience and I found out about Carb Lovers through her. So, after our beach trip I bought the book. We started on Monday morning, and I was ready to give up by 8:00 that night. (That night I dreamt about eating delicious junk food!) Tuesday I had a setback. But, after internalizing the cookie dough disaster, I decided to stick with it. (Side note: I find the first week especially challenging because, as a "kickstart week" the diet cuts calorie intake to 1200/day... which, I feel, is fine for weight loss in people who were already healthy or at least kind of paying attention to what they ate... but I went from eating a ridiculous amount of unhealthy calories each day (like maybe 3000?) to 1200. It was painful the first few days. Now, it's getting easier. I still know that I'm eating very little, but I also know that the week is almost over!!!) So, now that the tangent is over, I decided to stick with the "kick off week" (instead of skipping straight to the "immersion" plan which allows 1600 calories/day) but I decided not to be as strict on myself. I have spent the last few days aiming/hoping to keep my calorie intake down around 1200, but if I end up eating 1400 I'm not going to berate myself. And you know what? It's working. Actually, now that I'm not stressing about following this first week of diet the-very-most-exact-way it says, I've been fine. I'm hovering right around 1200-1250 calories/day. And, I've been tracking my eating habits through myplate on livestrong.com. AND... I don't want to spoil any surprises, but I know this first week has been pretty successful on the scale front. I think I'll post my starting and new weight on Monday, since that will be the beginning of week 2 for me.

One Week

One Week from today I will be on my way to the beach. Ready to indulge in a little relaxation. And since I have very few interesting things to say these days, I'm going to include visuals to help guide you along my plans:

Hanging out at the beach (obviously)

Staying in an adorable beach house (this one isn't ours)

Delicious, fruity, girly drinks

Sleeping (I plan to do an unnecessarily large amount of sleeping...)

Not Getting a Sunburn

Summer (beach) Reading.

Shopping

Hanging out with my two precious nephews.

And my adorable niece

(and try to fight the baby fever I get when I spend time with all of them)

Mindless T.V. Watching

Family Games

Did I mention shopping?

And of course, spending lots of time with Josh's family (while we still can. boo.).